Night comes too soon,
where day is overthrown
in twilight to night's lune
awakening a dream full blown
let the night settle down
for the day has run aground
and wondering souls
seek their homes
in restless dreamy drones
before break of day
like lapping waves
the sleep will tell
of a forgotten tale
lingering like clouds
before a genteel sun
a crisp day will begin again.

written by lauren6

I wrote this, through a disturbed sleep..still in a dream indeed.
It was nice and simple, pure and clear, yet a nightmare was not far away, as fatigue took control.

Asia has always had a strong cultural connection to the elephant. In Chinese, the phrase "to ride an elephant" sounds the same as the word for happiness. When Thailand was called Siam, the sacred White Elephant dominated the flag and culture. According to Thai legend, in the beginning all elephants were white and flew through the air, like the clouds and rain. Thousands of years later, a white elephant entered the side of Queen Sirimahamaya as she lay sleeping. Later she gave birth to Prince Siddhartha, the future Gautama Buddha. Among the predominantly Buddhist kingdoms of Southeast Asia, the most auspicious event possible during a monarch's reign was the finding of a white elephant.

THE SINGING APE OF THAILAND: CULTURAL VS. BIOLOGICAL
EXPLANATIONS FOR THE SONG OF THE LAR GIBBON

By L. Hasadsri

In traditional Thai folklore, gibbons are thought to be the reincarnation of disappointed lovers. The source of their mournful songs is believed to be the spirit of a grieving princess calling out to her lost husband in a hopeless yet never-ending search for him. What originally fueled this famous belief is the fact that lar gibbons (Hylobates lar), inhabitants of the rain forests found throughout Thailand, can often be heard singing, from the treetops, "Pua, pua, pua," or a similar sounding series of whoops and wails. Pua is the Thai word (albeit somewhat vulgar) for husband.
Thai legend has it that this is how the gibbon came to be. Long ago when the stars were young and the gods shared their magic with mortal men, a young prince named Chantakorop was sent to study under a hermit in the jungle. Only hermits knew the magic of the gods. Life would have been tiresome and boring for the prince had it not been for the hermit’s daughter, Mora,1 who entertained him with her graceful dancing and brought him bananas, phutsa1 (a type of fruit), and slices of durian melon.

When Chantakorop’s studies were complete, he left to return to his palace and claim the throne. Before he set out on his journey, the hermit presented him with a clay urn. "Within this urn is a gift I hope you will treasure forever. It contains your heart’s greatest desire," said the hermit, "However, you may not open the urn until you reach your father’s palace. If you open it before you have reached the safety of your own kingdom, great misfortune will befall upon you." The prince vowed to obey the hermit’s words, and gratefully took the gift and held his high while the hermit bowed (according to Thai tradition, a prince’s head never bends lower than that of a common man). "Sawasdee (goodbye)," said the hermit, "Do not forget what I have told you; you have been forewarned."

Chantakorop bid his instructor farewell, and embarked on his voyage through the jungle. With each passing day the urn inexplicably grew heavier, and with each step the prince’s curiosity grew as well. Finally, he could wait no longer. He impatiently removed the lid from the urn, and, much to his surprise, Mora, the hermit’s lovely daughter, magically appeared before him.

Chantakorop and Mora were hastily married in the nearest village. Eager to present his bride to his father, the prince anxiously continued his journey toward the royal palace with his new wife. When they were near the outskirts of the kingdom, Chantakorop suddenly remembered the warning the hermit had given him when they had parted, and he realized he had broken his promise to the man. At that moment, a bandit appeared from the shadows and challenged the prince to a fight. Whoever emerged victorious would have Mora as his prize. They fought valiantly, but the prince soon grew weary. The bandit then immediately swung a powerful blow that sent the prince staggering to the ground. Chantakorop’s sword fell beyond his reach. "Mora!" he called, "Quickly, if you cherish my life, bring me my sword!"

Mora reached for the sword, but was momentarily distracted by the sight of the bold bandit and left the sword where it lay. The bandit then seized the weapon for himself and killed the prince in an instant. Shocked by the result of her inaction, Mora bent over the body of her beloved prince and cried, "Pua, pua, pua (husband, husband, husband)."

The bandit took the heartbroken woman away. Mora went willingly, but all she could do the entire time was sadly call out, "Pua, pua, pua." As sunset approached, the gods looked down from the heavens, and the hermit suddenly appeared before his daughter and the bandit. Ashamed at her betrayal, he turned her into a gibbon. From that day on, she has roamed the forest in search of her fallen husband, and the melancholy sound of the gibbon crying, "Pua, pua, pua" is her eternal song of remorse.

In reality, the song of the gibbon is described by scientific rather than colorful cultural explanations. A gibbon’s voice can be heard from up to a mile away, even against the panorama of background noises of the rainforest. According to Jeremy and Patricia Raemakers, the gibbons’ songs are "similar in character and purpose to those of birds."2 Many birds share the same monogamous social system, which consists of a "male-female pair and their dependent young." Songbirds sing to attract a mate, to reinforce the pair-bond if already mated, and to warn of other birds of the same sex. Gibbon songs seem to fit a similar pattern.

The 'cleaner' video for a great dance track...
and the better known one...
Benny Benassi: Satisfaction

Heaven makes a nice home
when built upon firm ground
through railings dreams are sown
in a courtyard by patterned grille
under archway and ficus show
the outer arch of haloid night
within earthenware binding rêve
the roots of subconsciousness exposed
with a Mediterranean feel to navigational spiel
tucked in a pocket of dreams
sealed by night and day
through this archway memories still grow
-branches as tiers of shaded years
beckoning a corrugated squint
below hanging basket of coruscent desire
that tropical flowering of youth
catching but a second's light
-a purple heart of sunkissed sacrament
shields the arch behind
the remains of unspoken days
unseen beyond cascading vines
a sweetheart of blossoming meliorare
an autumnal time drop reawakening
neither sun nor moonlight
offers further illumination
upon the subconscious cortis
yet...paradise IS still found
being true to nature's very own heart.

written by lauren6

I've long had a fascination for Finland. It's a country of outstanding natural beauty, of an almost pure nature sadly lacking from much of Europe in recent times.

Also, I have an affinity for this country as it doesn't always get the credit it deserves, much like England in some respects!

Finland has, by popular vote, six 'nature symbols' of importance to this nation's traditions stretching back to ancient times. It is again often forgotten just how far back history goes in this region.
The 1980's and 90's saw the 6 symbols chosen, with all their national and cultural connotations taken as best symbolising Finland, and especially nature and wildlife, for which this eastern Scandinavian country is renowned.

The six were; the swan, (now the best-known of all); the Birch, (which is one of the three commonest trees found among Finland's enormous expanse of forests); lily of the valley, which is used on festive occasions as decoration; the perch and granite have not risen to any great national status, symbolically, but are found throughout Finland; granite being used extensively for sculpture, and construction to this day, for example.

The Birch, a delightfully elegant and remarkably resilient and ancient tree, first to colonise many lands is a highly prominent player in the Finnish summer, and a familiar sight in winter's whiteness, they are most popular among Finns.

Ancient Finnish culture does indeed refer to the 'Birch-bark-culture' of rural areas, as it supplied the people well, with it's wood, and as an important health drink through it's Springtime sap. The bark too, had uses for roofing, binding, furniture and tools.

One cannot mention Finland without speaking of saunas, and Birch also had uses here, in the form of sauna switches. Cattle fed from the these when dried over the winter.
This lovely tree can lay rightful claim to as white birch bark was taken with the treasures in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen.

In bygone times, the Finns regarded the Rowan as the sacred tree, yet it was the Birch, as in nature, that overcame all the odds and came out as the winning tree among Finnish hearts.

The 19th century has also given much credence to the Birch's claims for recognition as a symbol; Zacharias Topelius' fairy tale Koivu ja tähti (the Birch and the star), whereby two children are lost, but return home safely due to their seeing the familiar Birch in the yard. In this tale, the girl is dressed in Finnish national costume, which has become THE national costume.

Statistically, Finland's forests are made-up of one-fifth Birch, and it can also be found elsewhere too. It became an essential winter burner too, and today, one-tenth of all Finnish homes still use Birch logs for winter heating.
It was invaluable for plywood, and more recently for paper fibre, and Birch sugar, typically as xylitol in candy, that is kind to the teeth, and now, accordingly, Birch forests are actually increasing.

Finland has two species of Birch; the Betula verrucosa found on harder ground; and Betula pubescens, which is fond of soft ground, bogs and flood plains. May sees the flowers develop, (in Finland), ahead of the shooting leaves. It can live anything up to 300 years of age, and the tallest in eastern Scandinavia has been measured at 32 meters high.

written by lauren6.

Have you ever:

1.Felt weak in the knees at the sight of them?

2.Have you ever done something that seemed ludicrous at the time to impress them?

3.Have you experienced a loss of appetite because they were not with you?

4.Do you have trouble sleeping without them around?

5.When you do sleep, are they in your dreams?

6.Can you see spending the rest of your life with them?

7.Can you say things to them you would not say to any other?

8.If you closest friend were making fun of them, would you stand up for them?

9.Could you never lie to them?

10.Do you call them more than once a day just to hear their voice?

11.Is it impossible to imagine life with out them?

12.Do you have trouble remembering your life before them?

13.Do you feel happiness, sadness, hot and cold all at the same time?

14.Do you put them first in your life, even before you?

15.Do presents from them seem more enjoyable than any other gift, even before you know what they are? no yes

16.Would you give your last chocolate to them? no yes

17.Have you ever posted pictures of them all over your walls, leaving little or no wall visible? no yes

18.Have you ever called them to hear their voice, only to hang up before speaking? no yes

19.Have you noticed things about their appearance or mannerisms that other people would not notice?

20.Can you name their favorite...ice cream?

21. ...movie?

22. ...song?

23.Do you find that certain songs on the radio seem to be written about them or the two of you?

24.Would you be willing to embarrass yourself in front of others just to see them smile?

25.Do you or are you looking forward to Valentines Day?

26.Do you feel like you have spent your life looking for this person?

27.Does a hug or kiss from them really make it all better?

28.Would you stand by there side through sickness or poor times?

29.Have you thought up names to call your future children?

30.Do you have pet names for each other?

31.Do they have the power to get on your nerves (upset you more) more then anyone else ever at times?

32.Do you say things to them that your friends would make fun of you if they heard?

33.Have you said those things to them in front of your friends?

34.Do you consider them your best friend?

35.Do you trust them?

36.Have you told them that you love them?

37.Do you express your love everyday?

38. ...every hour?

39.Does it hurt to think of life without them?

40.Do you remember special anniversaries (first date, etc.)?

41.Do you remember little anniversaries (first time you ate sushi together, etc.)?

42.Do you find that you are bringing them up in a lot of conversations (i.e. Well Jenny thinks...)?

43.When buying major purchases, do you consider if they would approve?

44.If they needed a kidney, would you give them one of yours?

45.Are you thinking about them right now?

46.Do you miss them, even when they are in the next room?

47.Have you ever taken a class together just so you could spend more time with them?

48.Have they met your parents (if they are still alive...or have you met theirs)?

49.Have you written them a poem?

50.Have you written them a letter?

51.Have you or they picked a song (you know "yours and their song")?

52.If they moved out of state/providence would you follow?

53.Would you shave your head if they asked you too?

54.Have you ever serenaded them in a public place?

55.Does their smile make you smile?

56.Do you hurt when they hurt?

57.Do you feel like you can read their mind?

58.Do hours just fly by when you are with them?

59.Have you ever told them that you love them in front of your friends?

60.Have you ever just sat and listened to their problems?

61.Ever bought tickets to a function (movie, play, show, etc) you had no interest in but they did?

62.Have you remained faithful to them, never cheating?

63.Are you always honest with them (beside little lies like "No really that looks great on you?"?)

64.Have you ever taken the time to massage their feet?

65.Do you chat with them online (via e-mail, chat or other internet source)?

66.Have you ever made future plans together?

67.Have you or did you name your children before they were conceived?

68.Do you know their birthday?

69.Do you know their favorite colour?

70.If you had to be separated by a large distance, could you keep you feelings alive?

71.Does the mere mention of their name in a passing conversation make you feel warm inside?

72.Have you ever found yourself scribbling their name with hearts and love on the side of a piece of paper, a desk, or other?

73.Do you have trouble sleeping after an unresolved argument with them?

74.Have you ever stolen their underwear when they were not looking?

75.Do you look forward to days off / weekends just to spend more time with them?

76.Do you save little items (movie ticket stubs) from dates or outings?

77.Have you ever posted anywhere on the internet (a newsgroup, discussion page, etc.) a shout out that you loved them?

78.Brought a rose to them for not other reason than thanking them for being who they are?

79.Have you ever traveled (or would you) 100 miles just to see each other?

80.Have you ever dedicated a song to them on the radio?

81.Ever found yourself wishing more people could be like them?

82.Do you get butterflies in your stomach every time they come into the room?

83.Do find yourself constantly thinking about what they are doing at that moment when they are not around?

84.Have you ever taken up a new hobby just because they shared that hobby?

85.Do you find it harder to shop for them then anyone else?

86.Do you ever fantasize about marrying them (or often daydream back to the day you did)?

87.Are they, in your opinion, the most interesting/fascinating person on Earth?

88.Did you take this test with them in mind?

89.Is being unfaithful to them something you could never possibly do?

90.Do they make you happy?

91.Do you believe in Destiny now or more then you did because of them?

92.Have you ever "zoned out" during a conversation with someone because you were thinking of them?

93.Does holding their hand make you feel more safe and secure?

94.When shopping, do you often think "What would they like" when making your decision?

95.Do you like them better then Chocolate?

96.Have you ever been out on a date with them?

97.Have you live together (married or not)?

98.Have you ever proposed marriage to them?

99.Have you married them?

100.Would you be willing to lay down your life to save theirs?

Your score:

100% Obsession Kills Love...You might be too obsessed here.
80 - 99% Strong & Long Lasting Love.
50 - 79% New Love moving towards Long Lasting Love.
30 - 49% Pure Infatuation heading towards Love.
10 - 29% It's a Die-Hard Crush on it's way to Infatuation
1 - 9% Possible Crush Here
0% Loveless....

http://www.romantic-lyrics.com/lovetest2.shtml